Dhaka's polluted water source
Yesterday we printed the picture of a heavily polluted Demra-Matuil canal in the capital city. The reason being that this is the canal from which Dhaka Wasa (Water Supply & Sewage Authority) draws its water to supply to city residents after treating it. The only problem is, as is evident from the picture itself, the canal is thoroughly polluted and garbage is dumped into it liberally, since there is apparently no functioning authority to oversee that this does not happen.
We have been highlighting the sorry plight of canals in Dhaka for years. Since relevant authorities turn a blind eye to canal encroachment, where unplanned urbanisation is allowed to flourish resulting in the city's population to explode forcing the need to supply more and more water, it is hardly surprising that such vital canals are in such a sorry state. Environmentalists and urban planners have for years highlighted the need for city authorities to take long-term measures to preserve both the canals and the quality of water.
There is need for canal excavation and keeping the mouths of canals open so that these may be connected to the principal rivers. If we want to stop polluters, then regular vigilance is needed to remove illegal structures and prevent unscrupulous entities from re-establishing their foothold by encroaching on canals like this one. As we move near a 20 million strong population in Dhaka, Dhaka Wasa needs ample pumps in working condition to properly treat the water coming out of Demra-Matuil canal and make it fit for human consumption. These are some of the measures, which if undertaken, could potentially save vital canals like the Demra-Matuil; which in turn would save Dhaka and its residents from doom.
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